Joshua Waiganjo: Impersonator with ‘great influence’

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Early this year, in a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, Kenyans heard how a civilian posing as a senior police officer reportedly wielded and exercised great influence and power within the force.

A commission formed to investigate the activities of Joshua Waiganjo was treated to shocking details of how he ‘served’ as a Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police for years.

The impostor even boarded a police helicopter to Baragoi, Samburu County, prior to the botched security operation last November where sensitive security matters were discussed in his presence.

Waiganjo would frequently visit the then Rift Valley PPO John M’mbijiwe dressed in police uniform, posing as deputy PPO and using Government vehicles.

Sacked senior officers

The ‘impostor’, using his ‘powerful position’, was implicated in a number of criminal activities, especially in Njoro District within Nakuru County.

His cover was, however, blown after residents fed up with his constant harassment sought the intervention of senior Government officers.

A team of detectives from Nairobi was then dispatched to Nakuru to trace him and he was arrested.

Former President Kibaki then formed a team headed by Mary Awuor to probe the Waiganjo saga where shocking details emerged during its sittings at the old Nakuru Town Hall.

The team was to probe how he was able to operate at senior ranks for almost five years without detection.

The commission, after listening to various witnesses, recommended the sacking of M’mbijiwe and ASTU boss Remy Ngugi over their involvement in the matter. It, however, cleared former Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere of allegations made against him in connection with the saga.